Air bearings

Air Slides

Motorised Air Slides

The Motorised Dovetail Air Slide (DTAS) is an integrated motion platform for applications requiring precise and controlled linear movement.

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Combining a dovetail air slide, linear motor and motion controller, mounted on a granite base, this precision motion system can be configured to meet different application requirements.

The DTAS provides smooth and undisturbed motion with precise velocity, acceleration and repeatability for dynamic applications such as sensor testing and calibration. For applications requiring the highest positioning performance, the nano DTAS provides in-position stability down to the nanometer level, making it suitable for applications such as metrology, nano-imprint systems and photonic alignment.

At a glance

• Fully frictionless motion
• Continuous and uniform travel
• Ultra-stable dovetail geometry
• Plug-and-play solution with integrated measurement system
• Customisable hardware and software configuration

Motorised Dovetail Air Slide demo

Minimising mechanical disturbances

Traditional motion systems can introduce unwanted disturbances into precision measurements. Air bushings mounted on shafts can cause bending and low-frequency vibration, while ball-bearing systems introduce vibration through mechanical contact. With a fully contactless motion architecture, the DTAS avoids these sources of mechanical disturbance, supporting smooth and predictable linear movement.

The dovetail geometry further constrains unwanted degrees of freedom, limiting lateral and vertical motion and providing a flat and stable movement path. Mounted on a rigid granite base, the dovetail structure provides a stable mechanical foundation for highly controlled motion and accurate calibration.

Depending on the application, IBS can customise both hardware and software, including components for higher speed or acceleration, increased load capacity, improved measurement accuracy or integration into existing setups. 

Our Motorised Air Slides portfolio

Motorised Air Slides combine an accurate guide, an Air Slide, a linear motor, and an encoder, and are ready for installation. Compared with End Supported Air Slides, the Dovetail Air Slides feature a constant support configuration, whereby the stage wraps around the sides but not underneath the guide rail, thus offering heavier load carrying capacity. Continually supported linear slides allow for high acceleration and zero hysteresis, delivering exceptional stiffness and damping.

The continual support configuration prevents guide bar sag, which can occur over a long span. The Dovetails also feature the lowest profile track, making them an ideal fit for space conscious linear motion applications. All our Motorised Dovetail Air Slides are available with travel lengths of 300 mm and 500 mm. Whether you choose the standard or Nano DTAS, each system can serve as the starting point for your linear motion application or be easily retrofitted into your existing setup.

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